Dozens of people are injured each year as a result of turbulence, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said 44 injuries in 2016 were caused by turbulence, more than double the 21 turbulence-related injuries reported in 2015.

Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, said in April that turbulence is why airline passengers are asked to wear seat belts at all times.

“Airplanes have seat belts for a reason. Turbulence is a serious threat in the air and it cannot always be predicted,” Nelson said. “It is one of the highest causes of serious on-the-job injury to flight attendants.

“The forces created in sudden clear-air turbulence can throw bodies and unsecured items forcefully through the cabin much like the impact of a high speed collision,” Nelson said. “If you are not strapped in and secure, it could be deadly.”